Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe a target for use in measuring a relative position between two substantially coplanar layers of a device. The target includes periodic structures in first and second layers. Differences in relative position of the first and the second layers between the first and second periodic structures and the respective device-like structure can be measured to correct the relative position of the first and the second layers between the first and second periodic structures. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method of fabricating semiconductor structures comprising sub-resolution alignment marks is disclosed. The method comprises forming a dielectric material on a substrate and forming at least one sub-resolution alignment mark extending partially into the dielectric material. At least one opening is formed in the dielectric material. Semiconductor structures comprising the sub-resolution alignment marks are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor package including a semiconductor chip; a base member on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; a plurality of leads formed on the base member, the leads including inner ends electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and outer ends; and an index for identifying locations of specific leads.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer having a multi-layer wiring structure is disclosed. The wafer comprises a plurality of chip die areas arranged on the wafer in an array and scribe line areas between the chip die areas. The scribe lines of a semiconductor wafer having USG top-level wiring layers above ELK wiring layers have at least one metal film structures substantially covering corner regions where two scribe lines intersect to inhibit delamination at the USG/ELK interface during wafer dicing operation.

Abstract: An exemplary display device includes a transparent substrate and a semiconductor device bonded to the transparent substrate. The transparent substrate includes a first alignment mark. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a second alignment mark positioned on the substrate. The second alignment mark includes a first pattern structure positioned on the substrate and a second pattern structure positioned on the first pattern structure. The first pattern structure includes a plurality of first non-transparent marks. The second pattern structure includes a second pattern surrounded by the first non-transparent marks. The second pattern is an alignable shape that corresponds to a shape of the first alignment mark on the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a first die having a first alignment structure that includes a plurality of first transmission columns arranged in a pattern and a second die positioned on the first die, the second die having a second alignment structure that includes a plurality of second transmission columns arranged in the same pattern as the first transmission columns. The first and second transmission columns are each coplanar with a first surface and a second surface of the first and second die, respectively.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer arranged on the substrate and an insulating layer arranged on an upper portion of the semiconductor layer and including a bump provided on an upper surface thereof, wherein the semiconductor layer includes a main semiconductor area and an including an internal alignment mark including a p-type semiconductor that is overlapped by a metallic external alignment mark arranged on the upper surface of the insulating layer. The p-type semiconductor internal alignment mark can be viewed by an infrared camera during a mounting process of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: In a semiconductor chip constituting an LCD driver, a mark is formed in an alignment mark formation region over a semiconductor substrate. The mark is formed in the same layer as that of an uppermost layer wiring (third layer wiring) in an integrated circuit formation region. Then, in the lower layer of the mark and a background region surrounding the mark, patterns are formed. At this time, the pattern P1a is formed in the same layer as that of a second layer wiring and the pattern Pib is formed in the same layer as that of a first layer wiring. Further, the pattern P2 is formed in the same layer as that of a gate electrode, and the pattern P3 is formed in the same layer as that of an element isolation region.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes forming a film on at least a portion of one surface of a semiconductor wafer, forming an alignment mark by providing a recessed portion on the film, and adhering a sheet to the one surface of the semiconductor wafer on which the alignment mark is formed.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer is aligned using a double patterning process. A first resist layer having a first optical characteristic is deposited and foams at least one alignment mark. The first resist layer is developed. A second resist layer having a second optical characteristic is deposited over the first resist layer. The combination of first and second resist layers and alignment mark has a characteristic such that radiation of a pre-determined wavelength incident on the alignment mark produces a first or higher order diffraction as a function of the first and second optical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method for imparting asymmetry to a truncated annular wafer by either rounding one corner of the orientation flat, or rounding one corner of a notch. This novel method of rounding corners impart a visual and/or tactile asymmetry which can be utilized by a person in order to differentiate between the two different sides of the wafer. This inventive wafer design and method for making an asymmetric wafer is especially useful in the field of semiconductor technology and may be used on sapphire crystal wafers or any other class of wafer.

Abstract: A device having an overlay mark over a substrate and a method of adjusting multi-layer overlay alignment using the overlay mark for accuracy are disclosed. The overlay mark includes a first feature in a first layer, having a plurality of first alignment segments substantially parallel to each other extending only along an X direction; a second feature in a second layer over the first layer, having a plurality of second alignment segments substantially parallel to each other extending along a Y direction different from the X direction; and a third feature in a third layer over the second layer, having a plurality of third alignment segments substantially parallel to each other extending along the X direction and a plurality of fourth alignment segments substantially parallel to each other extending along the Y direction.

Abstract: A display device includes an array substrate, a driving film and an adhesive member. The array substrate includes a first base substrate, a plurality of first signal pads formed on the first base substrate and a first dummy pad formed adjacent to the first signal pads. The driving film includes a base film, a plurality of output terminals formed on the base film and a first alignment mark formed adjacent to the output terminals. The adhesive member adheres the first signal pads to the output terminals, and adheres the first dummy pad to the first alignment mark.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an apparatus for the position measurement of measurement structures on a lithography mask comprises the following steps: qualifying a calibration mask comprising diffractive structures arranged thereon by determining positions of the diffractive structures with respect to one another by means of interferometric measurement, determining positions of measurement structures arranged on the calibration mask with respect to one another by means of the apparatus, and calibrating the apparatus by means of the positions determined for the measurement structures and also the positions determined for the diffractive structures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor target for detecting overlay error between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate is disclosed. The target comprises at least a plurality of a plurality of first grating structures having a course pitch that is resolvable by an inspection tool and a plurality of second grating structures positioned relative to the first grating structures. The second grating structures have a fine pitch that is smaller than the course pitch, and the first and second grating structures are both formed in two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate. The first and second gratings have feature dimensions that all comply with a predefined design rules specification.

Abstract: Structures and methods of forming crack stop trenches are disclosed. The method includes forming active regions disposed in cell regions of a substrate, the cell regions separated by dicing channels, and forming back end of line (BEOL) layers over the substrate, the BEOL layers being formed over the cell regions and the dicing channels. Crack stop trenches are then formed encircling the cell regions by etching a portion of the BEOL layers surrounding the cell regions. The wafer is diced along the dicing channels.

Abstract: A conventional laser processing method has a problem that the number of scanning lines is large, and it is difficult to shorten the time needed for the marking. In a laser processing method of the present invention, a first laser processing is performed in accordance with the outer border of, for example, an English letter “A,” and thereafter, second and subsequent laser processings are performed on an inner region inside the outer border. In this event, for the second and subsequent laser processings, the respective processing lines (scanning lines) are set up in a longitudinal direction of a processing region. Thus, the number of processing lines is greatly reduced. As a result, the time needed for the marking is greatly shortened, and the laser marking workability is improved.

Abstract: Better alignment mark designs for semiconductor devices may substantially lessen the frequency of layer misalignment scanner alignment problems. Exemplary alignment mark designs substantially avoid or minimize damage during the fill-in and etching and chemical mechanical processing processes. Thus, additional processing steps to even out various layers or to address the misalignment problems may also be avoided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided which includes a semiconductor substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions being isolated from each other, a plurality of transistors formed in the first region, an alignment mark formed in the second region, the alignment mark having a plurality of active regions in a first direction, and a dummy gate structure formed over the alignment mark, the dummy gate structure having a plurality of lines in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: Some embodiments include patterning methods. First and second masking features may be formed over first and second regions of a semiconductor base, respectively. A protective mask may be formed over the second masking features. First and second spacers may be formed along sidewall edges of the first masking features and along lateral edges of the protective mask, respectively. The protective mask and the first masking features may be removed without removing the second masking features, without removing the first spacers, and without removing the second spacers. The first spacers may be third masking features that are at a tighter pitch than the first masking features. Patterns of the second masking features and the third masking features may be transferred into the semiconductor base. Some embodiments include patterned semiconductor bases.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an alignment mark formed over a semiconductor substrate and an inhibition pattern arranged over the alignment mark with a pattern edge of the inhibition pattern located in a mark functional region of the alignment mark in order to inhibit the alignment mark being recognized as such by an image detector of an exposure device.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes an overlay mark. The overlay mark includes a first portion that includes a plurality of first features. Each of the first features have a first dimension measured in a first direction and a second dimension measured in a second direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The second dimension is greater than the first dimension. The overlay mark also includes a second portion that includes a plurality of second features. Each of the second features have a third dimension measured in the first direction and a fourth dimension measured in the second direction. The fourth dimension is less than the third dimension. At least one of the second features is partially surrounded by the plurality of first features in both the first and second directions.

Abstract: The invention notably concerns a method for depositing nano-objects on a surface. The method includes: providing a substrate with surface patterns on one face thereof; providing a transfer layer on said face of the substrate; functionalizing areas on a surface of the transfer layer parallel to said face of the substrate, at locations defined with respect to said surface patterns, such as to exhibit enhanced binding interactions with nano-objects; depositing nano-objects and letting them get captured at the functionalized areas; and thinning down the transfer layer by energetic stimulation to decompose the polymer into evaporating units, until the nano-objects reach the surface of the substrate. The invention also provides a semiconductor device which includes a substrate and nano-objects accurately disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate having a first layer and a second layer above the first layer. The first layer haw a plurality of first patterns, vias or contacts. The second layer has second patterns corresponding to the first patterns, vias or contacts. The second patterns have a plurality of in-plane offsets relative to the corresponding first patterns, vias or contacts. A scanning electron microscope is used to measure line edge roughness (LER) values of the second patterns. An overlay error is calculated between the first and second layers based on the measured LER values.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a wafer having a first semiconductor chip, a second semiconductor chip, and a scribe line between and adjoining the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip; forming a notch in the scribe line, wherein the notch has a bottom no higher than a top surface of a semiconductor substrate in the wafer; forming a first insulation film over the wafer, wherein the first insulation film extends into the notch; removing a portion of the first insulation film from a center of the notch, wherein a remaining portion of the first insulation film comprises an edge in the notch; and sawing the wafer to separate the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information recording/reproducing device including a semiconductor substrate, a first interconnect layer on the semiconductor substrate, a first memory cell array layer on the first interconnect layer, and a second interconnect layer on the first memory cell array layer. The first memory cell array layer comprises an insulating layer having an alignment mark, and a stacked layer structure on the insulating layer and including a storage layer and an electrode layer. All of the layers in the stacked layer structure comprises a material with a permeability of visible light of 1% or more.

Abstract: A wafer assembly includes a process wafer and a carrier wafer. Integrated circuits are formed on the process wafer. The carrier wafer is bonded to the process wafer. The carrier wafer has at least one alignment mark.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a first die having a first alignment structure that includes a plurality of first transmission columns arranged in a pattern and a second die positioned on the first die, the second die having a second alignment structure that includes a plurality of second transmission columns arranged in the same pattern as the first transmission columns. The first and second transmission columns are each coplanar with a first surface and a second surface of the first and second die, respectively.

Abstract: An overlay mark is described, including N (N?2) groups of first x-directional linear patterns each defined from a different one of N pre-layers, N groups of second x-directional linear patterns of a current layer, N groups of first y-directional linear patterns each defined from a different one of the N pre-layers, and N groups of second y-directional linear patterns of the current layer. Each group of second x-directional linear patterns is disposed together with one group of first x-directional linear patterns, wherein the second linear patterns and the x-directional linear patterns are arranged alternately. Each group of second y-directional linear patterns is disposed together with one group of first y-directional linear patterns, wherein the second linear patterns and the first linear patterns are arranged alternately.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe semiconductor substrate techniques and configurations for an optical receiver. In one embodiment, a system includes a semiconductor substrate having one or more optical alignment features formed in a surface of the semiconductor substrate and an optical receiver assembly coupled with the semiconductor substrate, the optical receiver assembly including a photodetector device coupled with the surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the one or more optical alignment features facilitate precise optical alignment between a lens assembly and the photodetector device when the lens assembly is coupled with the semiconductor substrate using the one or more optical alignment features. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes an integrated circuit located in a first region of a substrate having first and second opposing major surfaces and an alignment mark located in a second region of the substrate and extending through the substrate between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mask which can be used for forming a pattern on a substrate in a deposition apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a display device using the same. The mask includes a mask pattern and a frame. The mask has a tapered shape where the inner surface of the frame tapers in a direction from an upper end to a lower end. A thin film pattern is formed on a substrate using the mask pattern of the mask. The frame supports an outer of the mask pattern, and includes an inclined plane which tapers in an inner direction where the mask pattern is disposed.

Abstract: A mark structure for measuring the alignment accuracy between a former layer and a latter layer with electron beam inspection (EBI) is described. The mark structure includes multiple divisions, each of which includes at least one region that includes multiple parts each disposed with a pair of a pattern of the former layer and a pattern of the latter layer. In each region, all of the parts have the same distance in a direction between the pattern of the former layer and the pattern of the latter layer. The distance in the direction is varied over the regions of the divisions of the mark structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a structure including alignment marks and a method of forming alignment marks in three dimensional (3D) structures. The method includes forming apertures in a first surface of a first semiconductor substrate; joining the first surface of the first semiconductor substrate to a first surface of a second semiconductor substrate; thinning the first semiconductor on a second surface of the first semiconductor substrate to provide optical contrast between the apertures and the first semiconductor substrate; and aligning a feature on the second surface of the first semiconductor substrate using the apertures as at least one alignment mark.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a TFT array substrate includes providing a substrate; defining a plurality of normal alignment regions and a plurality of abnormal alignment regions on the substrate; forming an insulating layer and a transparent conductive layer on the substrate; performing a patterning process to at least one of the insulating layer and the transparent conductive layer to form a plurality of alignment structures in each abnormal alignment region; forming an alignment material layer on the substrate, the alignment material layer having a plurality of first alignment slits formed along the alignment structures in each of the abnormal alignment regions; and performing a rubbing alignment process to form a plurality of second alignment slits on the alignment material layer in each of the normal alignment regions along a alignment direction.

Abstract: An exclusion region of interest imaging overlay target includes a self-symmetric target structure including two or more pattern elements, and an additional target structure including two or more pattern elements, wherein each of pattern elements of the additional target structure is contained within a boundary defined by one of the pattern elements of the self-symmetric target structure, wherein the self-symmetric target structure is characterized by a composite exterior region of interest, wherein the composite exterior region of interest is formed by removing two or more exclusion zones corresponding with the pattern elements of the additional target structure from an exterior region of interest encompassing the self-symmetric target structure, wherein each of the pattern elements of the additional target structure is characterized by an interior region of interest, wherein the self-symmetric target structure and the additional target structure are configured to have a common center of symmetry upon alignme

Abstract: A polysilazane film is formed over the main surface of a semiconductor substrate in such a manner that the upper surface level of the polysilazane film buried in a trench of 0.2 ?m or less in width becomes higher than that of a pad insulating film and the upper surface level of the polysilazane film buried in a trench of 1.0 ?m or more in width becomes lower than that of the pad insulating film. Then, heat treatment is conducted at 300° C. or more to convert the polysilazane film into a first buried film made of silicon oxide (SiO2) and remove a void in the upper portion of the narrower trench.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and method of fabrication of the apparatus, the apparatus including a first electronic device having an interconnection surface with a first plurality of interconnection pads extending from the surface by a first distance and a second plurality of alignment posts extending from the surface by a second distance greater than the first distance, and a second electrical device having an interconnection surface with a first plurality of electrical interconnection pads, each pad arranged to contact a corresponding first electronic device interconnection surface pad upon assembly of the first electronic device interconnection surface upon the second electronic device interconnection surface, the second electronic device interconnection surface including a third plurality of alignment posts, each located to be adjacent to at least one of the first electronic device alignment posts upon assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of determining x-y spatial orientation of a semiconductor substrate comprising an integrated circuit, methods of positioning a semiconductor substrate comprising an integrated circuit, methods of processing a semiconductor substrate, and semiconductor devices. In one implementation, a method of determining x-y spatial orientation of a semiconductor substrate comprising an integrated circuit includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising at least one integrated circuit die. The semiconductor substrate comprises a circuit side, a backside, and a plurality of conductive vias extending from the circuit side to the backside. The plurality of conductive vias on the semiconductor substrate backside is examined to determine location of portions of at least two of the plurality of conductive vias on the semiconductor substrate backside. From the determined location, x-y spatial orientation of the semiconductor substrate is determined.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a build-up interconnect structure formed over an active surface of a semiconductor wafer containing a plurality of semiconductor die separated by a saw street. An insulating layer is formed over the interconnect structure. Bumps are formed over the interconnect structure. A protective coating material is deposited over the insulating layer and saw street. A lamination tape is applied over the coating material. A portion of a back surface of the semiconductor wafer is removed. A mounting tape is applied over the back surface. The lamination tape is removed while leaving the coating material over the insulating layer and saw street. A first channel is formed through the saw street extending partially through the semiconductor wafer. The coating material is removed after forming the first channel. A second channel is formed through the saw street and the mounting tape is removed to singulate the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A disclosed wiring substrate includes an insulating layer, a recess formed on a surface of the insulating layer, and an alignment mark formed inside of the recess, wherein a face of the alignment mark is roughened, recessed from the surface of the insulating layer, and exposed from the recess.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnect structure that may reduce or eliminate stress induced voids is provided. In an embodiment, a via is formed below a conductive line to provide an electrical connection to an underlying conductive region. The conductive line includes a widened region above the via. The widened region serves to reduce or eliminate stress induced voids between the via and the underlying conductive region. In another embodiment, one or more redundant lines are formed extending from a conductive region, such as a contact pad, such that the redundant line does not electrically couple the conductive region to an underlying conductive region. In a preferred embodiment, the redundant lines extend from a conductive region on a side adjacent to a side having a conductive line coupled to a via.

Abstract: A thin overlay structure for use in imaging based metrology is disclosed. The thin overlay structure may include a first structure and second structure, the first and second structures designed to have a common center of symmetry, both structures being invariant to a 180 degree rotation about the common center of symmetry, wherein a mark region defining the extent of the structures is characterized by a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a length of the mark region along the first direction being greater than a length of the mark region along the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alignment are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a substrate having an alignment region; an alignment feature in the alignment region of the substrate; and a dummy feature disposed within the alignment feature. A dimension of the dummy feature is less than a resolution of an alignment mark detector.

Abstract: A method for generating reticle data for forming a reticle. The method includes recognizing a non-layout region free from main chips in a process pattern, dividing the non-layout region into a plurality of rectangular non-layout regions, generating scribe data using the plurality of divided rectangular non-layout region as a plurality of dummy chips, and generating a dummy pattern for each of the dummy chips.

Abstract: There was a problem that it was difficult to manufacture silicon carbide semiconductor devices with suppressed variations in characteristics without increasing the number of process steps. A silicon carbide semiconductor device according to the present invention includes an N type SiC substrate and an N type SiC epitaxial layer as a silicon carbide semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, a plurality of recesses intermittently formed in a surface of the N type SiC epitaxial layer, P type regions as second-conductivity-type semiconductor layers formed in the N type SiC epitaxial layer in the bottoms of the plurality of recesses, and a Schottky electrode selectively formed over the surface of the N type SiC epitaxial layer, wherein the plurality of recesses all have an equal depth.

Abstract: In a semiconductor package, a stamp is provided on at least one of at least a pair of opposed sides on an outer peripheral portion in contact with an edge of the package, which is a blank space up to now. With this configuration, the amount of stamp can be increased even in a narrow stamp area.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a bonding pad, and an area designation marking, wherein the bonding pad includes a first region, a second region, and a third region placed between the first region and the second region, wherein the area designation marking includes a first area designation mark configured to designate a first boundary between the first region and the third region and a second area designation mark configured to designate a second boundary between the second region and the third region, wherein the first region and the second region are configured to be contacted with a test probe. The first area designation mark includes a first notch or a first protrusion. The second area designation mark includes a second notch or a second protrusion. The first area designation mark includes a first pair of notches that is linearly spaced apart from each other to designate the first boundary line.

Abstract: An overlay mark is described, including N (N?2) groups of first x-directional linear patterns each defined from a different one of N pre-layers, N groups of second x-directional linear patterns of a current layer, N groups of first y-directional linear patterns each defined from a different one of the N pre-layers, and N groups of second y-directional linear patterns of the current layer. Each group of second x-directional linear patterns is disposed together with one group of first x-directional linear patterns, wherein the second linear patterns and the x-directional linear patterns are arranged alternately. Each group of second y-directional linear patterns is disposed together with one group of first y-directional linear patterns, wherein the second linear patterns and the first linear patterns are arranged alternately.